Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are believed to be still on the lookout for another shot-stopper this summer after Brazilian star Alisson Becker picked up a calf injury in the first game of the season.
The Reds had already brought the experience of Adrian to replace Simon Mignolet but an injury scare and less than convincing displays by the new arrival has set the alarm bells ringing. Now, Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has revealed that they are looking to add free agent Michel Vorm to their squad this month.
Speaking to Dutch news outfit NOS, Achterberg said, “The arrival of Vorm has been discussed.”
He also claimed that Andy Lonergan could also get his chance if needed, but does signing Vorm make sense for Liverpool?
Vorm And His Career
The 35-year old was introduced to English football by Swansea City, where he spent three long seasons as the first-choice goalkeeper.
He made 89 top-flight appearances for the club before Tottenham Hotspur came calling in 2014. Vorm was added to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as a backup to French international Hugo Lloris and only got his chances in cup games.
In his time in London, he made just 13 league appearances, covering for Lloris’ injuries and at the end of the last season, he became a free agent with the expiration of his contract.
Known for his reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, Vorm does not have too many mistakes in his game.
He may not be productive with the ball at his feet but he is adept at clearing danger and dominating his box, reducing pressure on his backline.
He is a vocal presence, can organize his defence, and even at 35, is a player who has a lot to offer to the English top flight.
Right Man For Liverpool?
The Reds have one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe in Alisson in their ranks. The Brazilian will remain Klopp’s first choice when fit and Vorm is only touted as an option to cover for Adrian in the absence of Alisson.
Adrian, who has already etched his name in Liverpool history, winning them the UEFA Super Cup last week, looked susceptible in both the games he played, gifting a goal to Southampton last weekend.
But the former West Ham United man has otherwise looked confident in his abilities and should be trusted to take the responsibility till Alisson is back.
Liverpool are yet to confirm the exact extent of the 26-year old’s injury and unless he is out for a major chunk of the season, Vorm makes little sense as a part of the squad at Anfield.
Alisson should not be out for more than six weeks and in this time, Adrian might have to play as Liverpool’s no.1 even in cup games with Andy Lonergan as his back-up.
Lack of a quality replacement for him will be a worry but that hardly warrants signing another player, who might struggle for any sort of game time for the rest of the campaign.
